1A District Boys BB: Stanton takes out Spartans 52-43

 ANITA (Feb. 20) -- After leading for much of the first half, Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton was forced to play catch-up during the final two quarters last Thursday night and ultimately lost to Stanton 52-43 in a Class 1A, District 14 quarterfinal boys basketball game at Anita.
 Stanton (19-3) trailed 24-22 at halftime, then opened the third period with a three-pointer and led the rest of the way, building the margin as high as 12 points. The Vikings made 7-of-18 three-pointers and were able to overcome a 7-of-17 showing at the free throw line.
 Tyler Peterson had a great all-around game for Stanton, totaling 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, five steals and four blocked shots. Carter Johnson added 11 points and four steals and Keygan Day had 11 points as well.
 The Spartans, who finished 11-11 overall, were led by 19 points from Creighton Nelson (12 in the first half) and 17 from Tyler Petersen. Nelson averaged 20.9 points and about nine rebounds per game as a senior. Addtional seniors on Exira-EHK’s season-ending roster were Ethan Andersen and William Paulsen.